AA bank holiday travel advice

Drivers taking a break over the Bank Holiday have been warned of the UK's top five congestion hotspots by the AA.

The group warns traffic will start to build on Friday afternoon as people head to attractions like the Reading and Leeds Festivals, Creamfields in Cheshire, Notting Hill Carnival and the rugby league Challenge Cup final at Wembley, as well as the Paralympics.

The top five hotspots, according to the Trafficmaster website, are the M3/M27/31 route from Winchester to the coast in Dorset, the M4 London to the M5 interchange (junction 20), the M5 from Almondsbury to Exeter, the A303 from the M3 through Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset and the M25 Western Sector between the M1 interchange (junction 21) and the M3 interchange (Junction 12).

Andy Smith, AA patrol of the year, said: “With some events rescheduled to avoid the Olympics, it’s an even busier weekend of music, sport and other events.

"These will generate localised congestion, particularly at finish time, so plan your journey accordingly and check the traffic reports before departing.

“Also carry plenty of drinking water, food and things to keep the children entertained and allow a few minutes to do the basic checks on your car before departing, paying particular attention to tyres, cooling system and operation of the cooling fan.